With poor weather conditions wreaking havoc on the early rounds of many of the Kildare Ladies SFL games, it was a relief for all to see 10+ games played over 4 divisions on Tuesday night, March 21st.

One of the standout fixtures came in division 2 with the meeting of Clane and last years Juinor A championship winners Suncroft. This tie was played under lights at Ellistown Gaa and it was the Crofts first game of the season. As in many of their games in 2016, the girls from Brownstown were best served by county duo Trina Duggan and Ellen Dowling. The pair combined to shoot their side into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead, county captain Duggan with the goal. Clane responded well however and fought back (netting on the stroke of half time) to leave the score at the break; Suncroft 1-6 Clane 1-4.

Dowling was once again to the fore in the second half, hitting 1-3 to leave her side two points up going into injury time, of which there ended up been nine minutes of. Clane showed they have a bit of bite about them this year, hitting 2 points time added on to secure a hard fought draw on a final score of 2-9 apiece. There’s no doubting these two sides will be at the business end of division 2 in a few weeks time….. When hopefully the weather will have picked up!!

Suncroft lineup v Clane

Elsewhere in divison 2 a strong looking Moorefield side ran out convincing winners over Kilcullen while Naas ended Carbury’s 100% start with a five point victory. Kilcock are yet to play a game but face old foes Carbury this coming Sunday.

In division 1 Na Fianna were shown no mercy by Confey on their debut in the top ranks. The experinced Confey ladies travelled to Ballyteague and came away with the two points in a convincing manner. Their close rivals Leixlip also picked up two points with victory over Eadestown and one feels these two teams will fancy taking home the league trophy for 2017…. St. Laurences and Sarsfields might have something to say about that though.

Cappagh made it 2 wins from 2 in division 3 with a comprehensive win away to Athy. The girls in red and white ran out easy 5-11 to 1-7 victors, following up on their round one success in Ballykelly. Their former manager John Mulligan picked up his first competitive win since taking charge at Celbridge, overseeing a tense, one point win against neighbours Kill. 4-6 to 4-5. 

South Kildare side Castlemitchell recorded their 3rd win in as many outings when they accounted for Rathangan by the minimum, 1-8 to 0-10. An Aoife Maye goal in the 45th minute was all that could seperate these two dogged sides. 

New Celbridge manager John Mulligan

In division 4 Ballymore and Round Towers had comfortable wins over Ellistown and Castledermot respectively but I have to give credit to the two losing sides here. For Ellistown 2017 sees them entering a senior ladies team for the first time and Castledermot must be commended for making a return to competitive senior action after been unable to field in 2016. 

Ellistown senior ladies team 2017